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Interested in transforming your beloved book or textbook into an e-book? Now, it's simpler than ever to convert a book into a PDF format using a computer or smartphone. Employing a dedicated book scanner is the quickest method to digitize a book. However, if you don't have one, alternatives include using a book scanner, flatbed scanner, automatic sheet-feed scanner, or even your Android or iPhone. This guide by Mytour will provide you with the best techniques for scanning books and other bound documents, and will guide you through the process on any computer, phone, or tablet.
Key Points to Remember
- You can scan a book using the free Adobe Scan app or the iPhone Notes app.
- Most all-in-one printers come equipped with built-in flatbed scanners that can scan a book without causing any damage.
- If you're willing to unbind the book and separate the pages, you can swiftly scan the pages with an automatic sheet-feed scanner.
Step-by-Step Guide
Options for Scanning Books
Using your smartphone's camera. Utilizing your iPhone or Android device is among the simplest methods to scan a book at home without causing any harm to it. If you possess an iPhone, you can utilize the iPhone Notes app to scan without the need for additional applications. However, for more features (or if you own an Android), it's advisable to utilize the free Adobe Scan app, which can swiftly scan two pages simultaneously and facilitate text extraction.
- Holding the book open while scanning with your phone can be challenging, especially if you intend to scan the entire book. Nevertheless, your phone's scanner is an excellent option if you prefer not to invest in other equipment or pay for a scanning service.
Flatbed scanners. This widely available and affordable scanner type simplifies the scanning of photos, documents, and book pages for home users. Most all-in-one printers are equipped with built-in flatbed scanners, so you may already have one at home.
- Scanning a book with a flatbed scanner requires more time compared to other methods, as you'll need to lift the book from the scanner to turn the pages and then initiate the scan with your computer.
- Although there's a slight risk of damaging the binding by pressing the book onto the scanner bed, flatbed scanners are generally a safe and non-destructive option for scanning books.
Consumer book scanners. Numerous home book scanners are available, most of which scan two pages simultaneously using an overhead camera. Others are simple wands that you can hover over each page to scan, akin to using your smartphone's camera. Libraries and college campuses often provide on-site book scanners, potentially enabling you to utilize these convenient scanners for free.
- Book scanners can significantly expedite the scanning process, as you'll only need to flip the page between scans.
- Due to the absence of the need to lay the book flat on a flatbed scanner, there's less risk of damaging the spine when using a book scanner, making it ideal for scanning borrowed or rented books.
Sheet-feed document scanners. If you're unconcerned about the book's condition post-scan, you can remove the binding and cover and feed the separated pages into the automatic document feeder of an office-style printer or copying machine. When scanning an entire book, a sheet-feed scanner can be advantageous as it will automatically scan both sides of each page without requiring manual page flipping. However, the damage inflicted on the book may outweigh the benefits.
- Automatic sheet-feed scanners may compromise the scan quality, so it's preferable to utilize them for text-heavy books with minimal images.
Expert book scanners. Professional book scanning services utilize automatic book scanners, which are essentially robotic devices capable of automatically flipping pages. These scanners can rapidly scan large hardcover and softcover books without causing damage to the spine. If you're looking to scan an entire book (or multiple books), engaging a professional equipped with an automatic book scanner is your best option.
Utilizing Adobe Scan (Android & iPhone)
Download Adobe Scan on your Android or iPhone. You can acquire this free application, which includes a book-scanning feature with text recognition, from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Play Store (Android). Adobe Scan's Book feature simplifies the process of scanning two adjacent book pages simultaneously and even automatically aligns the text if it's scanned at an angle. Simply hold your phone over the book and turn the page when prompted.
- If you own an iPhone and prefer not to install an application, you can utilize the Notes app instead. Although Notes also produces high-quality scans, it lacks the book-scanning feature for correcting alignment at the page crease.
- Adobe Scan necessitates an Adobe account. If you don't have one, you'll be guided to create one during the setup process.
Turn to the initial page you wish to scan in your book. Ensure that you can lay the book as flat as possible on a level surface without bending its spine. This may pose a challenge with hardbound books and newer, unread paperbacks, so do your best.
- Scan the book in a well-lit environment to ensure optimal scan quality.
Launch Adobe Scan and log in. If you possess an Adobe account, you can use it to log in. Otherwise, follow the on-screen instructions to create one now.
- Once logged in, grant the application permission to access your camera and save files to your device.
Choose the Book mode. You'll find this option at the bottom of the camera lens. A dashed line will appear in the center of the screen.
- If you can't find this option, tap the camera icon first to start a new scan.
- If you prefer to scan individual pages separately, you can opt for the Document mode instead.
Adjust the camera angle so that the dashed line aligns with the center of the two pages. Ensure the line is positioned right at the binding between the two pages.
Keep the camera steady until the scanning process is complete. If prompted to rotate or zoom in, follow those instructions for the best scan quality. After capturing the scan, the pages will shrink, and you'll return to the camera screen, ready to scan the next two pages with Adobe Scan's instant feature.
Turn the page to scan the following two pages. Maintain a steady grip on the camera above the book, similar to before. Adobe Scan will rapidly capture the next two pages and revert to the camera screen, prepared for scanning additional pages. This process is swift, ideal for scanning numerous pages efficiently.
Tap the preview when you've completed scanning. This option is located at the bottom of the camera screen. Here, you can swipe through the scans to make adjustments, such as rotating pages, applying filters, and cropping unwanted sections.
- If you wish to scan another page and append it to the document, swipe to the last page of the scan, then tap Add Page > Take another photo to return to the camera screen.
Tap Save PDF once you're done.
Located at the top-right corner of the screen, this saves your document as a PDF file that's easily accessible and shareable on any device.
Save or share your scanned book. Currently, the PDF is only stored in the Adobe Cloud. To save it on your device or email it to yourself for access on a computer, follow these steps:
- To email the PDF, tap Share and choose Email. Address the email to yourself. You can then download the file on any device by clicking or tapping the link in the email.
- To save on your Android or iPhone, tap More or the three dots next to the scan, select Copy to device, and pick a folder. Tap Done or the checkmark to save.
Using the iPhone Notes App
Open your book to the first page you want to scan. You can conveniently use your iPhone's Notes app to scan a book anywhere, although it's advisable to do so in a well-lit area for better scan quality. Ideally, place the book on a flat surface, fully open without bending the spine.
- The Notes app enables scanning two adjacent pages simultaneously, similar to Adobe Scan. However, the alignment might not be as precise compared to Adobe Scan.
Launch the Notes app. Find it on your Home screen or in your App Library. The Notes app features a built-in document scanner capable of creating high-quality PDF documents containing digitized book pages.
Tap the New Note icon. Look for the square with a pencil at the bottom-right corner. This action initiates a new note, where you'll store your scanned book pages.
- If the keyboard pops up automatically, tap Done to dismiss it.
Tap the camera icon. Located at the bottom of the screen, this action expands a menu.
Tap Scan Documents. This is the second option on the list and opens your iPhone's camera screen.
Tap the three overlapping circles to select your preferences. You'll find this at the top of the screen.
- For most text-heavy books, opt for Black & White to ensure a legible scan with copyable text.
- For books with numerous images, choose either Color or Grayscale.
Align the first page in the viewfinder. Without tapping the screen, position your phone over the page(s) you wish to scan until a yellow border surrounds the area. Once detected, your iPhone will generate the initial page of the scan.
- You might receive on-screen instructions for better camera positioning, such as 'Move closer.'
- Alternatively, manually scan each page by tapping Auto at the top-right to disable automatic shutter, then tap the shutter button to capture your first scan.
Modify the initial scan (optional). After scanning the first page(s), you'll spot a thumbnail preview at the bottom-left corner. Tap it to review the scan.
- If it doesn't look right, tap Retake to rescan that page.
- You can also adjust the crop, rotation, color, or delete this page from the preview.
- Once done, tap Done to return to the camera screen.
Proceed to scan the following pages. In auto mode, align the camera over the next page(s) and await completion. After each scan, you'll be back at the camera screen, streamlining the process for scanning numerous pages quickly.
Tap Save once you're done. Positioned at the bottom-right corner of the camera screen, this action reveals a preview of your document.
Save or distribute the scanned book as a PDF. Now that you've digitized your book, it's ready for sharing or storage anywhere.
- Touch the document preview to view the initial scan. Then, swipe through the pages for confirmation.
- Tap the share icon at the top-right, then pick a method to share or save the file. Options include Mail for emailing it to yourself, Messages for texting it, Save to Files for storing it on your iPhone or iCloud Drive, or any other preferred method to transfer the scanned book to the desired location.
Using a Scanner
Ensure your scanner is connected to your computer. To scan your book and save it as a PDF, you'll need to connect the scanner to your Windows or macOS device. Modern scanners can connect wirelessly, while others require a USB or Thunderbolt cable.
- If you're using a large office-style scanner/copying machine/printer, you might be able to initiate the scan and select options from the device's screen without using computer software. Look for options like 'Scan to Email,' 'Scan to USB drive,' or 'Scan to Network Folder' on the printer's screen, and pick your destination. Many office scanners offer a 'Book Mode' setting to ensure proper page capture.
- Once your book is scanned to PDF format, you can view it in various software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Mac Preview, Google Drive, Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and more. You can also print it or convert it to other formats like Microsoft Word.
Install scanner software (optional). Whether you're using a dedicated book scanner or flatbed scanner, it usually comes with software for your PC or Mac. This software often offers straightforward scanning and PDF creation options, so it's worth checking. Visit the scanner manufacturer's website, locate your model, and check the 'Support' or 'Downloads' section for available software.
- Windows and macOS include built-in scanning software, but your scanner's software typically provides more features.
Prepare your book for scanning. If using an automatic sheet-feed scanner, follow these instructions to separate pages safely. For dedicated book scanners or flatbed scanners, there's no need to disassemble your book.
Launch your scanning software. If you installed scanner software, open it. Otherwise:
- Windows: Press Windows key + S to open Search, type scan, then click Windows Fax & Scan.
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Mac: Click the Apple menu, navigate to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your scanner, then click Open Scanner.
- If the scanner doubles as a printer, you may need to click Scan before Open Scanner becomes available.
Position your book on or in the scanner. Let the scanning adventure begin.
- If using a flatbed scanner, open the book and place it face-down on the glass. Align the book's edge with the scanner bed guides, and gently lower the cover to minimize background light.
- For automatic sheet-feed scanners, inspect for curls, wrinkles, and binding remnants before loading pages to prevent paper jams. Pages are typically loaded face-up, but check your scanner's instructions. Before scanning the entire book, start with a few pages to confirm correct page insertion.
- Some sheet-feed scanners feature a 'Duplex' button for scanning both sides of the page. Others offer this option in the scanner software. Refer to your scanner's documentation for details.
- For other scanner types, follow specific model instructions.
Choose the source of the document. If you're utilizing a sheet-feed or multi-function scanner, you'll typically need to select Use Document Feeder, Automatic Document Feeder, or Sheet Feeder as your source.
Opt for saving the scan as a unified PDF document. The procedure varies by scanner, but you'll usually find the option to select the PDF file type from a 'Format' or 'File type' menu, along with the choice to merge the scans into a single document.
- Many automatic sheet-feed scanners will automatically save your scanned document as a PDF, eliminating the need for this option.
Designate a destination for the PDF file. Seek out an option labeled 'Destination,' 'Save file to,' or similar in your scanner software. Here, you'll be able to choose a folder on your computer where the scanner will generate the PDF document.
Select the color or original document type. For most text-heavy books, opt for scanning in black and white to ensure legible text. This is particularly crucial if you intend to select, extract, or edit the text later on.
- If your scanning software (or scanner) offers a 'Book' or 'Text' option, it will scan the pages in black and white.
- If the book contains numerous images, grayscale or color scanning will yield higher-quality images. However, these formats will result in larger PDF files (especially color).
- Many scanners feature an 'Auto' mode that can automatically switch between black-and-white and grayscale based on the content it detects on the page.
- For exceptionally high-quality image scans in color or grayscale, opt for a high DPI (resolution) in your scanning preferences.
Initiate the scan by clicking Scan. Depending on your scanner type, you may need to select this option within your software or directly on the scanner.
- If using a book scanner or flatbed scanner, wait for the first scan to complete, then turn the page and commence the next scan.
- For a sheet-feed scanner, the automatic document feeder will swiftly scan all pages without intervention. However, it's advisable to remain nearby in case of a paper jam that requires prompt resolution.
Evaluate the initial scan before proceeding. Take a moment to review the first few pages before continuing with the book scanning process. Ensure that the book is positioned correctly on the scanner to capture the pages entirely and that the quality meets your expectations on your computer.
- Even if the text seems small in the scan, refrain from cropping the margins. You can always zoom in on the PDF when reading it on a computer, or even enlarge the text on e-readers like Kindle.
Proceed with the scanning. Once you're satisfied with the first page(s), turn the page and continue scanning. With a book scanner, you can swiftly turn the page, and the scanner will usually detect the new text and scan it promptly. For a flatbed scanner, you'll need to lift the book from the glass, turn the page, place it flat again, and then manually scan the next page.
Finish the scanning process. After completing the scan, you may need to select View or Preview to inspect the document before saving it. Alternatively, you can simply click Close to halt scanning and automatically save the PDF file to your computer.
Separating Pages for Sheet-Feed Scanning
Prepare the book for individual page scanning (if required). When using a manual book scanner or flatbed scanner, there's no need to disassemble the book. However, if using a sheet-feed scanner, you'll need to remove the binding and separate each page to feed it into the machine.
- If there's a print or copy shop nearby, consider taking the book to them to have the binding removed with professional paper shears. This is an inexpensive option that ensures your pages will be the correct size and free from binding glue or stitching.
Detach the book binding. Contrary to common belief, there are simple methods to achieve this for both hardcover and paperback books:
- To remove the binding of a hardcover book, carefully use a utility knife to slice through the paper hinge connecting the covers and endpapers. Then, gently dab the glue with a slightly moist sponge to eliminate any paper residue.
- For a paperback book, employ a blow dryer on its warm setting to gradually heat the glue attaching the paper to the spine. Then, pull the pages away from the spine until they release in one piece.
Use a utility knife to trim pages in batches of approximately 20. You can begin from the front and progress towards the back. Alternatively, fold the book in half at the center and divide it into two equal sections, then further divide each section, and so forth.
- If feasible, remove the binding glue along with a thin strip of paper using a sharp knife or industrial shears. While industrial shears are not mandatory, if opting for one, opt for the traditional style cutter for easier cutting of thin strips.
- When using a rotary cutter, ensure that the paper overlaps on the cutting platform; otherwise, the paper may sink into the groove and not cut evenly.
- Moreover, to minimize uneven cutting, reduce the number of sheets you cut when using a rotary blade cutter. With a rotary cutter, one side may have narrower margins (which cropping can address). A good pair of scissors and a photo editing program like Windows Live are sufficient to achieve professional-looking pages in the end.
Remove any remaining binding glue from each page to safeguard the scanner. If you used industrial shears or a rotary cutter, there should be minimal glue residue remaining.
- Additionally, be sure to remove any adhesive-type glue as well, as it can lead to paper jams.
- If you notice streaks on your scanned images, it could be due to glue on the glass lens. Cleanse the sticky residue from the glass lens using a soft cotton cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner.
Maintain the pages organized and in sequential order. If they are not already arranged, take the time to organize them properly.
Tips
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Clean the interior of your scanner to remove paper debris. After scanning multiple books, your scanner may accumulate paper particles. Use canned air, a blower, a mini vacuum cleaner, a duster, or a damp cloth to clean it.
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Enhance your scanning experience by listening to music, the radio, or turning on the TV.
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Before scanning, check online to see if an e-book version of the material already exists.
Warnings
- Adhere to all copyright laws regarding printing and distribution. Review the copyright information located inside the front cover of the book to understand the guidelines for reproducing its content. Reproduction may only be permitted for educational or non-commercial purposes.
